Monday, November 4, 2013

Top architect to assist in Madinah expansion

A top international architect is currently visiting Madinah to provide
advice on the expansion plans for the Prophet’s Mosque and surrounding
area.Paolo Portoghesi is an Italian architect, theorist, historian
and professor of architecture. Khalid Taher, the mayor of Madinah, had
invited him to visit the city.Portoghesi designed the Grand Mosque
of Rome, the Grand Mosque in Strasburg, France, and various buildings in
Italy, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.Taher told Arab News
recently that Al-Amanat, the company overseeing the development, wants
to draw on the experience and skills of world-class architects to work
with Saudi consulting firms.Taher said there are huge investment
opportunities in the city for local and regional investors. He said
there has been a steady flow of investment into the city for years.“Portoghesi’s
visit is very important for us because he is a renowned architect who
admires Islamic culture. He has proposed an overview of the architecture
in Islamic countries,” the mayor said.He said such exchanges of
expertise and visits would help planners add to the city's
“architectural diversity.” He said Portoghesi’s work blends classical
and modern styles.“We had a discussion on various matters with
special reference to the grandeur of Islamic architecture.” He said the
Saudi government wants to ensure the expansion meets the needs of
visitors.The mayor said his office works closely with various
government agencies to ensure projects are completed on time and meet
quality standards. He said there would be financial compensation for the
owners of buildings making way for the expansion.